[ 3 / biz / cgl / ck / diy / fa / ic / jp / lit / sci / vr / vt ] [ index / top / reports ] [ become a patron ] [ status ]
2023-11: Warosu is now out of extended maintenance.

/sci/ - Science & Math

View post   
File: 271 KB, 210x131, I'mOut.gif [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
6974715 No.6974715 [Reply] [Original]

If weight is a force, then why do we use kg for weight on a daily basis, when kg are real a measure of mass?
Is it incorrect for me to say I weigh 72kg?

>> No.6974723

>>6974715

Gravitational force is pretty constant on Earth's surface, so using mass units for weight works out.

>> No.6974754
File: 26 KB, 233x200, OhShit.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
6974754

>>6974723
Yes, but for instance when I take physics and physics for engineers next semester, on my physics finals if a question said "Blah blah blah A block weighs 50kg on a slanted surface of 30 degrees, find the normal force exerted on the surface" or something else using kg and having to find the force. Would I go from kg x acceleration then to the rest of my answer, or just go from force to finding my answer? After all it might say it WEIGHS 50kg, not it is 50kg.
I feel a little lost in terms here when people use kg for weight, a force.

>> No.6974764

>>6974754
that is just the terminology. personally I think it would make more sense if things were described as weighing newtons and having kilograms, instead of sometimes saying they weigh kg which clearly is backwards, but if its described in kg you will just have to do the conversion. its not a huge hurdle, chill out about it.

>> No.6974768

>>6974754

If they meant "weight" in the most literal sense, they'd be using newtons instead of kg. If it makes you feel better, replace "weighs" with "has mass of".

>> No.6974834

>>6974754
kgs are a unit of mass, not weight. find the force first.

lbs are a unit of weight. if they said "my balls on your mom's forehead weight 32 lbs" then you'd go on without finding a force.

newtons are the standard unit for force in physics. grams for mass.

>> No.6974838

>>6974834
to be honest i'm unsure if lbs actually do measure force. i'm not familiar with the buttfuck backwards american system, i just wanted to make fun of you op.

>> No.6974992

>>6974838
>to be honest i'm unsure if lbs actually do measure force

yes....pounds measure force

>> No.6974995

>>6974834
>ewtons are the standard unit for force in physics. grams for mass

Uhhh....NO.
kilogram is the standard unit for mass